Characterising patterns in framework development

Abstract

Patterns are investigated in relation to the development of applications and frameworks, and characteristics of patterns are presented in the context of analysis, design and implementation. The results are illustrated using a framework for virtual machines. The main conclusion is that different pattern characteristics can be identified in analysis, design, and implementation of applications and frameworks. Patterns can be applied to describe perceived structures in the problem domain, logical structures in the abstract description of a software system, and structures in the program code. Patterns applied in application development focus on structures among concrete and specific concepts, whereas patterns applied in framework development focus on structures among abstract and generic concepts. Individual patterns can be preserved, transformed, or replaced during a software development process.